Micronesia, Federated States of, independent federal nation in the western Pacific Ocean, composed of the states of Kosrae, Pohnpei, where the capital, Palikir, is located, Chuuk, and Yap. The 607 islands that make up the nation extend 2,900 km (1,800 mi) across the Caroline Islands archipelago and have a total land area of 701 sq km (271 sq mi). The combined population (1996 official estimate) is 125,377, giving a density of 178 per sq km (462 per sq mi).The head of state (since May 1997) is the president, Jacob Nena.